Sound BlasterX AE-5 PCIe Sabre Class Gaming DAC Released

12th June 2017: Creative introduce the new Sound BlasterX AE-5 PCIe Sabre Class Gaming DAC With integrated Aurora Reactive Lighting System to coordinate lighting across Sound BlasterX products such as the Vanguard keyboard and Katana Soundbar.

Xamp Discrete Headphone Amp

Delivering an industry-leading gaming headphone amplification experience, the onboard headphone amplifier is custom-built using discrete transistors and audiophile-grade WIMA® film/foil capacitors in a dual-amp design to satisfy the most demanding needs of today’s intense games and high-resolution audio. Experience the difference of a discrete dual-amp design as each audio channel is individually amplified to deliver pristine, uncompromised audio. Plus, the high heat resistance of the German-made WIMA capacitors greatly reduces noise and audio interference. The Xamp’s ultra low 1Ω output impedance also makes it perfectly capable of driving sensitive in-ear monitors as well as studio-grade headphones from 16Ω to 600Ω.

122dB DNR Sabre-Class DAC with Industry Leading Audio Processing

At the heart of the Sound BlasterX AE-5 sound card is the quad-core Sound Core3D audio DSP and a 122dB ESS Sabre-Class DAC that instantly boosts regular motherboard audio with up to 32 times more clarity. The premium audiophile-grade DAC with its high dynamic range indulges users with up to 32-bit/384kHz lossless playback and true audio fidelity for high-definition audio in games, movies, and music.

The Sound BlasterX AE-5 card is the first sound card to feature a built-in RGB controller that comes with the Aurora Reactive Lighting System. A separate RGB lighting system could set a user back by at least USD 50, but now, this is built into the card itself with the AE-5: giving users amazing value and performance for their system. This also means that valuable space within a gamer’s desktop can be saved for other components.

The RGB controller, powered by Creative’s very own Aurora Reactive Lighting System, not only lights up the card through the PCB, but also gives gamers the flexibility to build their dream gaming rig by connecting up to four LED strips to match the awesome sound with an awesome light show. The fully customizable Aurora Reactive Lighting System allows users to choose from multiple presets or program it with up to 16.8 million colors and various rhythms to choose from, using the Sound Blaster Connect PC software.

All New Scout 2.0 Feature

Scout 2.0 is an upgraded version of the Creative’s well-received Scout Mode feature – Scout 2.0 now also includes Scout Radar.

Scout Radar is a smart companion that enables gamers to visualize and pinpoint their enemy’s position on a Scout Radar app with the user’s smart device, while Scout Mode lets gamers hear their enemies before they are seen.

The all new Scout 2.0 feature is sure to give gamers that added winning edge.

Pre-Release Event

At an exclusive sneak preview press event hosted by Creative in London I got to see the new AE-5 among other Creative products, and although I didn’t get the opportunity to hear it in action it certainly looks like a nice piece of kit, augmented by RGB lighting to ensure that it will perfectly match whatever colour scheme you choose for your build.

I did get to hear the amazing Katana 2.1 Dolby sound bar as well as investigate other peripherals in the gaming range. Look out for some in-depth reviews hitting Player in the next few months.